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 Faqs & Resources 
Tai Chi-Qi Gong Faqs - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Qi Gong & Tai Chi a Martial Art?
Well, anything can be used as a "marital art" if done correctly and with timing and sufficient practice. In ancient China, the art of Tai Chi is used by some as a "fighting art". However today, most Tai Chi and Qi Gong disciplines are taught for the pure health benefits that people enjoy. I always stress to my students that, if their sole purpose for taking Tai Chi is purely for Self Defense, they would be better off taking something like Western Boxing, Karate, Wing Chun Kung Fu, Jeet Kune Do, Stone Throwing and/or Running, or Wrestling, etc.
What does Western Science Say about Tai Chi & Qi Gong?
Studies have shown that the practice of Tai Chi and Qi Gong (along with the elimination of unhealthy life-style habits) slows down the heart rate, improves respiration, stresses balance and alignment, relaxed postures, promotes deep breathing, digestion, and the functioning of the internal organs and blood circulation. Some studies have also shown how Tai Chi and Qi Gong reduce STRESS, strengthen the immune system, and help lower high blood pressure. The Chinese believe that whoever engages in the practice of Tai Chi-Qi Gong correctly and regularly, twice daily over a period of time, will gain the pliability of a child, the health of a lumberjack, and the peace of mind of a Sage.
What is Tai Chi & Qi Gong?
The art of Tai Chi is an integrated from of exercises designed to promote health, vigor, flowing with alignment, relaxation/stress-relief, and smooth, or continuous energy; a psycho-philosophical regulation of the body/mind. A flowing in concert with the breath and with the imagination turned-on. An exercising of your "inner life's energy",
Guru, David-Dorian Ross, says, "The term Guru, refers to a "lamp-holder or torchbearer", the Guru is the one who casts light on the path, so that others can see the path more clearly. The guru is a servant lending his/her knowledge to open the gates for others, not a master".
One popular Tai Chi proverb says, "Where the mind goes, the Chi will follow". David-Dorian Ross says, "There is the secret behind the theory of Chi Gung (Qi Gong) and Tai Chi - Chi (bio-electrical-chemical energy/currents), nourishes the Body/Mind. The chi circulates, and as it circulates, it distills. As Chi distills, it refines and changes its vibration. At the highest level of vibration, Chi becomes pure consciousness, or "spirit", known in Chinese as, Shen". This entire process and practice leads to what many refer to as, Peak Experience (A. Maslow). In essence, the Yi (intention) stimulates the Chi, the Chi in turn affects the Shen, and the Shen then re-nourishes the Yi. This entire process in married with the energies of Ying and Yang.
As Bruce Lee once said, "Never, when pointing at the moon, mistake the finger for the moon". The trick is to not get all too entangled/wrapped up in the finger, and neglect to look at the moon. In Tai Chi, it is the energy-principles that are important - the forms only a vehicle.
What should I wear to class?
Any type of loose-fitting clothing you like - shoes or barefooted.
Can I sit down?
Absolutely, when tired sit, when hungry eat, when alert, practice.
Do I need to bring anything to class?
Yes, just a warm smile and You!
I'm overweight will that be a problem?
No, not all, just work at your level and sit when needed.
Should I eat before coming to class?
Preferably only something light and easy on caffeine.
SOMETHING TO BRIGHTEN YOUR VOYAGE THROUGH THE DAY
From: Karl-Erik Andreasson
Be still. Quiet your mind. Reflect and breathe,
The trees ahead and the bushes beside you
are not lost. Wherever you are is called Here.
And you must treat it as a powerful companion.
Must ask permission to know it and be known.
Humility is a good thing.
The forest breathes. Stop and Listen. It answers,
You have made this place around you - relish it!
It is you who've made this creation.
If you leave it you may come back again, saying Here.
No two trees are the same to the Raven.
No two branches are the same to the Wren or Sparrow.
If what a tree or bush does is lost on you,
Then, you are surely lost. Stand still: The forest knows
Where you are.
Only you can allow it to find You!
Tai Chi & Qi Gong Resources - Books, DVDs & Websites
- Books
- Absorb What is Useful by Dan Innosanto
- A String of Pearls: 108 Meditations on Tai Chi Chuan by Michael Gilman
- Exercising the Soul: How T´ai Chi Nurtures the BodyMind by David-Dorian Ross
- Exploring Tai Chi and Tai Chi Connections by John Loupos
- Hunyuan Qigong by Grandmaster Feng Zhigiang
- Opening The Energy Gates of Your Body: Qigong for Lifelong Health by Bruce Frantzis
- Tai-Chi: The "Supreme Ultimate" Exercise for Health, Sport, and Self-Defense
by Cheng Man-Ch´ing & Robert Smith
- T´ai Chi Classics (Shambhala Classics) by Master Waysun Liao
- Tai Chi for Geniuses: A Practice Companion for the Genius in Everyone by Gene Burnett
- Taijiquan Theory by Dr. Yang Jwing-Ming
- Taiji Wisdom: Integrating Taiji Principles into Your Body and Life by Sana Shanti
- The Dao of Taijiquan: Way to Rejuvenation (Tai Chi) by Grandmaster Jou Tsung Hwa
- The Theory and Practice of Taiji Qigong by Chris Jarmey
- The Tao of Jeet Kune Do by Bruce Lee
- The Way of Zen by Alan W. Watts
- DVDs
- AM and PM T´ai Chi by David-Dorian Ross & CJ McPhee
- Chi Kung: The Empowering Workout with Dr. Jerry Alan Johnson by Jerry Alan Johnson
- Tai Chi: The Empowering Workout with Dr. Jerry Alan Johnson by Jerry Alan Johnson
- Qi Gong for Cleansing by Daisy Lee Garripoli & Francesso Carripoli
- Chi Kung for the Internal Organs by Michael Gilman
- Meridian Qigong dvd and Qigong Meditation book by Dr. Yang Jwing-Ming
- Simplified Tai Chi Chuan by Master Liang Shou-Yu
- Sun Rise Tai Chi and Sun Set Tai Chi by Ramel Rones
- Tai Chi Chuan: The 27 forms by Marshall Hoo by Marshal Hoo
- Tai Chi for Arthritis by Dr. Paul Lam
- Tai Chi for Healing by Mark Johnson
- Inner Secrets of Tai Chi Chuan by Michael Gilman
- Tao: The watercourse way at Wu Yi Mountain by Chungliang Al Huang
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Tai Chi - Qi Gong with Kark-Erik Andreasson, PhD